Earlier this week, Pope Francis reportedly said he'd like to give a homily to protestants in their church. He reportedly gave them assurances that he wasn't interested in converting them... he just wants to apologize for all the nasty Catholics who came before him.
Anyone have any idea exactly what the purported nasty conduct actually is? I'm on the edge of my seat hoping it isn't the virtue of explaining they're in a building separated from Christ's Church and Sacraments.
On the one hand, like much of the buffoonery, it came from a private conversation. One of our separated brothers had lunch with the Pope and his first hand account is reported on his blog. Who knows what was really said.
On the other hand, the report seems consistent with the tenor of withholding and obstructions of Catholic doctrine from Catholics, and many of the things Pope Francis has said and not said during his papacy.
It’s fair to ask what kind of Catholic Church we as Evangelicals want to see. At lunch I asked Pope Francis what his heart was for evangelism. He smiled, knowing what was behind my question. His comment was, “I’m not interested in converting Evangelicals to Catholicism. I want people to find Jesus in their own community. There are so many doctrines we will never agree on. Let’s not spend our time on those. Rather, let’s be about showing the love of Jesus.” (Of course Evangelicals do evangelize Catholics and Catholics do the same to us. However, that discussion we will raise another day.)
We spoke about how in our diversity we might find unity and strength. Borrowing from Swiss Protestant theologian Oscar Cullman, we reflected how “reconciled diversity” allows us to stand within our own understandings of how Christ effects salvation. And then we press on to deal with global issues like religious freedom and justice and other matters, which affect our wellbeing.
I don't know about this one kiddies. I'm thinking there was a mix up, either in the telling or the listening. It actually contradicts what we have a video of him saying here.
Further, when one analyzes the theology behind the concept, it's just too...crackers.
Pope Francis believes Jesus can be found in religions with doctrinal errors leading consciences and souls into immorality and sin and alienating them from His actual Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity?
The Sacraments Christ offered in oblation so we could use Them and gain entry into heaven,are not matters which affect the well being of protestants and there is no need for their conversion as far as he is concerned?
It's waaaaaaaaaay out there.
Maybe he did say something that led our separated brother to draw his misguided conclusion.
There is a valid trajectory that repeats itself over the course of our history wherein we hole ourselves up and try to gather in Catholics and convert them to the doctrines necessary for their salvation.
Christ was not shy about caging people out.
"Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town.
Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”
What Christ didn't do, was say things to the caged out to hoodwink them into believing their condition, nationality, plight, heritage was pleasing to God and they are on the road to salvation.
Some of the things Christ said must have made the Apostles cringe.
When a caged out woman approached Christ for healing, He called her a dog and said He would not give what is holy to her. Christ knew the Canaanite woman was a believer but He used questions to provoke her to publicly declare her belief so those present and witnessing would understand:
1. What is holy is reserved and preserved for those worthy to receive It.
2. There are entire nations of people excluded - perhaps through no fault of their own. The choices of our ancestors burden us and our choices will burden the generations who come after us. Spiritual maladies are gifts that keep on giving.
3. Who's in and who's out.
Hoodwinking cast outs is a theme that keeps on repeating itself with Pope Francis...ad nauseum.
A lot of damage is being done. It is a trainwreck that is tough to watch.
I am too much of a jealous lover of Christ to let anyone or anything put me into the position of being cast out. The Sacraments are tied to the Chair of Peter. Ride out the storm come what may.
The Kingdom of Heaven is definitely at hand.
4 comments:
I'm sorry, Francis is essentially an empty cassock. He is in himself a tribulation, that must besuffered through.
Exactly. That is what Francis is: a tribulation that must be suffered through. This is a time of severe trial. We have the secularists attacking at every level; we have Islam; we have a weak-kneed hierarchy, an impoverished liturgy and widespread loss of faith; we are inundated by a culture of nihilism; and lastly, and most disheartening perhaps, instead of a general to lead us out of this darkest of nights, we have been given Francis, Spreader of Confusion, our greatest trial. Those who endure through all of this, toughened and indomitable, will rekindle the faith among the lost.
Pray for the Church. Persevere. Go to Mass as often as you possibly can.
Through the Pope's non ambiguous words, ("I am not interested in converting...") the Church has given up with the evangelisation of the pagans and with the missionary spirit.
Then, what is more apalling, though he asked the portuguese bishops to consecrate his pontificate to Our Lady of Fatima, a thing which filled me with hope, his words mean that the Pope isn't interested in converting Russia (and the orthodoxs) either.
So we are warned: The Pope Francis will NOT be the pope of the Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Since the dead line, in my opinion, for the Consecration to be performed is 2017, we have much to worry.
jac,
Though many of the people I trust and respect believe Russia has not been consecrated, I have never been at peace with the idea that Our Lady would be such a wordsmythe.
The whole world has been consecrated and Russia is in the world.
I know Our Lady pretty well. I was born on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and she has been present through my entire life.
The offering of Consecration given to her request was more than what she asked for. She asked for Russia and we gave her the entire world.
It is much like a a begger who asks for two dollars and you empty your wallet and give them the coat off of your back.
I can't wrap my head around the notion that Our Lady would not be more than pleased with the response to her request.
There was no Consecration that is going to save us from the ending that is so clearly spelled out in the Book of Revelation. It was only meant to delay it, in Mercy. And I believe that it has. We have to just keep hitting the beads, praying and fasting...
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